Millvale mother accused of smothering daughter in court

MILLVALE, OH (FOX19) - A woman accused of smothering her child in Millvale appeared in court Monday for a disposition hearing.

Prosecutors say that Janishcia Cottingham, 23, smothered her 15-month old daughter at their Millvale home in August. Cottingham faces one count of aggravated murder, murder, and felonious assault.

Officers responded to a townhome on Bowling Green Court after receiving reports of an unresponsive toddler on August 15. Upon arrival, police found Robin Cottingham, 15 months, unresponsive in a crib in the living room.

Police say no one was home when they arrived.

Robin Cottingham was pronounced dead at the scene by the Hamilton County Coroner's Office, who later determined she was smothered to death. The coroner ruled Robin's death a homicide.

Her mother, Janishcia, was later arrested and charged in connection with Robin's death.

Cottingham's father, Robert Midell, says the toddler was previously handed over to Job and Family Services (JFS) by the mother. Midell says he was then called by an agent asking to pick up the child, who remained in his custody until he also had to turn the toddler over to JFS, to get himself "situated and established."

According to Midell, the agency gave Robin Cottingham back to the mother.

Cottingham is being held on a $1 million bond. If convicted of all charges, she faces the possibility of life in prison without parole.